A longtime Federal Way resident and property owner is opting for independence.

In December, the former Herfy’s Burgers at 2125 SW 356th St. will re-open as Burger Plus. Kwang “Kenny” So, the property’s landlord, closed Herfy’s in October following the eviction of his tenant.

“I don’t want to go back to the franchise,” said So, an 18-year owner of the property, which includes a Chevron gas station. An opening date for Burger Plus has not been determined.

So, a resident of Federal Way for 36 years, has had no problems doing business in the city. However, So wants to see revisions in the state eviction laws so that all parties involved can settle property disputes to their satisfaction — and avoid messy legal situations like the one he is experiencing.

Federal Way police are investigating vandalism and theft accusations made by So against his former Herfy’s Burgers tenant. The fallout began when the tenant filed bankruptcy and stopped paying rent, according to So as well as the restaurant’s former manager.

An eviction notice was served in October, and the tenant had three days to vacate. In those three days, the tenant took most of restaurant’s equipment and fixtures, So said. The equipment belongs to So, he said, and the list includes sinks, fryers, an air conditioner, ice maker, stools, fire alarm and music system. The equipment is leftover from the site’s former days as a Quizno’s sandwich shop. Removing the equipment also damaged the building’s ceilings and floors. Federal Way police could not comment on this active investigation. The former tenant, Jae Hong, could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Meanwhile, So is moving on. He has invested more than $60,000 in refurbishing and renovating the restaurant, he said.

VIDEO

The short video below shows “before and after” footage of the restaurant: